“The main issue here is that did the President have enough information to declare martial law in the whole of Mindanao, particularly on the rebellion? “The Supreme Court should explain why it found enough grounds to say that there is rebellion in Mindanao and thus, the need to declare martial law,” Baguilat said. The Constitution provides the President can only declare martial law and suspend the writ of habeas corpus in cases of rebellion, invasion or when public safety requires it. The same Constitution also mandates Congress to review the President’s martial law declaration which is only limited to 60 days. The President, however, can ask Congress to extend martial law if necessary.

Source: Manila Times July 09, 2017 06:11 UTC